Walvis Bay catamaran & Sandwich Harbor dune drive: Wildlife

Dolphins and seals from the water, then dunes that rise straight from the shore

A full-day tour from Walvis Bay combining a catamaran cruise for marine wildlife and a dune drive to Sandwich Harbor, with a knowledgeable guide, hotel or ship pickup, and refreshments throughout. The catamaran departs at 08:30 and returns around noon. The dune drive follows, with a light lunch and short walks among the dunes before heading back to Walvis Bay. Moderate fitness is needed for the dune terrain and the boat's motion.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and dune drive

• Depart Waterfront at 08h30 for catamaran cruise
• View pelicans, seals, dolphins, and seal colony
• Enjoy snacks and drinks on catamaran
• Return to Waterfront around 12h00
• Meet guide and drive to Pink Flamingos at Esplanade
• Deflate tires and drive past pink salt lakes
• Drive 60km along beach to Sandwich Harbor dunes
• Stop at viewpoints and enjoy short dune walks
• Have light lunch at scenic spot
• Search for desert wildlife on small game drive
• Return along beach to Walvis Bay
• Drive back to accommodation or cruise liner

The experience

The catamaran leaves the Waterfront at 08:30 and runs until around noon, giving you roughly three and a half hours on the water. Pelicans, seals and dolphins appear regularly. On good days you might see sunfish or whales during the whaling season. The boat stops at the seal colony (50,000 strong) to view them from the sea, and Sammy the seal often jumps aboard for close photographs. Snacks, beer, Champagne and oysters are served throughout. Boarding and disembarking take about 20 minutes beyond the stated times. If you're arriving by cruise ship, the tour pickup starts an hour after docking.

After returning to the Waterfront, your guide meets you and drives south along the coast toward Sandwich Harbor, 60 kilometers away. The route crosses the Esplanade, passes pink salt lakes and takes you into the Namib Naukluft Park. You'll see flamingos, pelicans, avocets, terns and other migratory birds, plus seals and occasionally black-backed jackals. The dune drive itself follows the Lange Wand (a narrow strip of beach where the sea meets towering dunes), and timing with the tide is critical. The ascent to the viewpoint is steep and dramatic. From the top, Sandwich Harbor's lagoon spreads below. Short walks break up the drive, and a light lunch is served at a spot along the route. The return journey takes about an hour, retracing the beach road back to Walvis Bay.

This is an eight-hour commitment with a lot of input, as the operator notes. The catamaran's motion and the dune terrain both demand at least moderate fitness. Spinal injuries, pregnancy and poor cardiovascular health are not compatible with the tour. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. A wind jacket is essential. Pickup is arranged from your accommodation or cruise ship. Confirm details the night before via WhatsApp. The tour requires at least two people to depart. Solo travelers should contact the operator to arrange a group.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise ship pickup and return.
• catamaran departure at 08:30 with beer, Champagne, oysters and cold drinks.
• dune drive with a knowledgeable guide.
• light lunch and short dune walks.
• parking fees.
• beer, cider, bottled water and light finger food on the dune drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 85 years) · Child (1 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 33 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English. German-speaking guides cannot be guaranteed, especially during peak season or when cruise ships are in port. Book this tour if you're comfortable with English-language commentary or if you've confirmed a German speaker in advance with the operator.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

36 verified traveler reviews

5 ★34

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 11 years).

What wildlife will I actually see on the catamaran cruise?

Pelicans, seals and dolphins appear on most departures. Sunfish and whales show up on good days during the whaling season. The boat stops at the seal colony to view the 50,000-strong group from the water, and Sammy the seal often jumps aboard for photographs.

How long is the dune drive to Sandwich Harbor, and what happens there?

The drive south covers 60 kilometers through the Namib Naukluft Park to Sandwich Harbor, a bay with a lagoon. You ascend towering dunes along the Lange Wand (where the sea meets the sand), and stop at viewpoints for short walks. A light lunch is served along the route before the return journey to Walvis Bay, which takes about an hour.

What's included to eat and drink during the day?

The catamaran serves beer, bottled water, cold drinks, oysters and Champagne. On the dune drive, you get beer, cider, bottled water, cold drinks and a light finger food, plus a light lunch at a spot along the route.

Can I do this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes. Pickup starts an hour after your ship docks, and the tour departs no later than an hour and a half after pickup. Arrive late and you'll be marked a no-show, so plan accordingly.

Is this tour physically demanding?

Yes. You need at least moderate fitness for the catamaran's motion and the dune terrain. The dune ascent is steep and described as a rollercoaster ride. Spinal injuries, pregnancy and poor cardiovascular health are not compatible with the tour.